First In Families of the Southern Piedmont

29/10/2025

Please join the Starfire Council Virtual Pop-Up Story Hour happening tomorrow, Thursday, October 30 from 1pm-2pm! Come listen and be inspired by the Ris Family as they share their story of community and connection.

Don’t forget to join us for our Pop-Up Story Hour this Thursday, October 30 from 1–2 PM (EST) on Zoom!

This month, the Ris Family will share their story of nurturing engagement and building connection through simple, intentional acts that make a lasting difference.

💬 “Together, we can reflect on how simple acts of kindness and generosity of spirit can open doors for connection.” — Francie

🔗 Register to join: http://bit.ly/3Wc5qKW

25/10/2025

It’s Down Syndrome Awareness Month! ​

And at GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re celebrating acceptance all month long by sharing powerful stories... like GiGi’s!​

Before she sang the national anthem at Cubs and White Sox games (and even opened for Scotty McCreery!), GiGi was building her voice sound by sound through free speech therapy at GiGi’s Playhouse. Every word was a win, and every win built the confidence that led her here.​

As our Chief Inspiration Officer, GiGi continues to share her voice, but this month, it’s not about titles. It’s about honoring the everyday achievements that build confidence — and confidence that leads to true acceptance.​

Join GiGi's this October. Celebrate every win. Choose acceptance.​

Learn more at the link in our bio or click here: http://ow.ly/4tou106ntaL

25/10/2025

Everyone belongs in the workplace 💚

This October, as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we’re proud to spotlight our Transition to Employment (TTE) program. Through TTE, we help individuals with developmental disabilities build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace.

Meet Raekwon, a TTE program participant!

Raekwon has learned valuable skills while building friendships through the TTE program. He says TTE has taught him how to participate more and connect with others. Raekwon believes NDEAM is important because it helps people with disabilities find jobs and reminds employers that sometimes just a little help can make all the difference!

Read the full story at eastersealsPORT.com/ndeam-2025

25/10/2025

Get an early start on your holiday shopping with the help of the 2025 NDSS Holiday Gift Guide! 🎁 This interactive quiz helps you discover unique products from businesses owned and operated by individuals with Down syndrome. Find the perfect presents for everyone on your list at ndss.org/holiday_gift_guide.

25/10/2025

Few people with Down syndrome have access to doctors specializing in the chromosomal disorder, but a new effort is underway to ensure that physicians nationwide know how to care for this population.

25/10/2025

Join us on Tuesday, December 10th at 6:00 PM for a special Sensory-Friendly Performance of the Nutcracker, designed to create an inclusive and comfortable experience for all.

🎟️ Tickets are free, but space is limited!
Please email Megan at msmith@gigisplayhouse.org
by October 24th to reserve your seats.

25/10/2025

Get creative — and then take a bite!

Join us for our Inclusive Edible Art Class on Tuesday, October 28 at 4 p.m. at the Waxhaw Recreation Barn, where you can make art you can eat! All abilities welcome. Open to ages 18+.

Register in advance at https://hubs.li/Q03P5T3p0 or give us a call at 704-843-2195 x235.

25/10/2025

Hay there, friends! 🌾🐴

Individuals from UDI’s day program had a hay-mazing time visiting Mephibosheth Farms Angelic Riders this week! From brushing and feeding the horses to enjoying peaceful moments on the farm, every smile was genuine and every laugh was golden. 💛

A huge thank-you to our friends at Angelic Riders for welcoming us and helping our participants stirrup joy, confidence, and connection. 🐎

Check them out here ➡️ https://www.angelicriders.org/

25/10/2025

GiGi found her voice through free speech therapy.​
​
Your donation helps others do the same.​

This October, help GiGi's Playhouse deliver 350,000+ hours of free programs annually. Those hours turn awareness into action—and action into acceptance.​

Give now. Celebrate Every Win. Choose Acceptance.​

Donate at the link in bio or here: http://ow.ly/4tou106ntaL

25/10/2025

25/10/2025

You're Invited to Host an Unmet Film Watch Party!

Unmet: North Carolina's Disability Crisis" is a powerful 25-minute film commissioned by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD).

The film shares the real-life stories of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) whose needs continue to go unmet.

Organizations, nonprofits, and individuals are invited to host their own Unmet watch party at their homes or in their communities.

Learn more about the Unmet film and sign up for free to host a watch party here: bit.ly/HostUnmet

11/10/2025

At 59, John learned to budget at GiGi’s with a goal in mind: buying concert tickets to see his favorite artist, Cyndi Lauper.John is one of many adults gaining confidence and independence through GiGi’s. This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, help GiGi's Playhouse continue delivering over 350,000 hours of free programming every year — for individuals of all ages, at every stage.

Give now at our link in bio or at http://ow.ly/aHjA106o1Nf Help more dreams add up. Choose Acceptance.